28 May 2024

Artistes have been advised to develop and sell their creativity.

The advise was issued by National Arts Council of Botswana  director, Obenne Mbaakanyi during Regional National Arts Festival in Moshupa on Saturday. 

Moshupa hosted traditional song and dance competition for Southern Regional artistes where more than 30 groups participated.

Mbaakanyi said government was committed to unlocking opportunities in the creative industry.

She advised artistes to be cognizant of the fact that they were ambassadors of Botswana culture  and urged them to utilise the opportunities that existed within the country and internationally to sell their talent.

Mbaakanyi further encouraged groups and individual artistes who would win the national competition to invest their prize money wisely, and urged those who would not make it to keep improving their art.

“I wish to encourage all of you, to liase with us so that we can assist you to pursue your goals as professionals,” she said.

Mbaakanyi urged artistes to visit the arts council’s Facebook page regularly for information on artists funding procedures.

For his part, Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Coordinator for Southern District Moeti Godisamang said National Arts Festival Competitions were meant to expose and promote artistic talents.

He said through arts, unemployment could be reduced, and therefore called on the public to support artistes by buying their crafts.

Godisamang further said national arts festival assisted in promoting national cohesion as  it brought artists from different districts and regions together.

He also called on parents to help government by supporting their children’s artistic talents at a tender age.

The competition was divided into five categories, which included Tsutsube, Setapa, Hosana, Sebirwa and Phathisi.

Kwena Madiba from Molepolole emerged victorious in the Phathisi category, while Ba Ga Mmanaana Group from Thamaga under Sebirwa dance were winners. 

In Setapa category, Khudu Thamaga from Tlokweng emerged winners and in the Tsutsube category, Sedimo Sa Koma from Gaborone were announced as winners while in Hosana category Mabutswapele from Gaborone scooped position one. ENDS